By Emmy Powell
Communications Specialist

Texas ranchers depend on veterinarians who understand the demands of animal care and rural practice. But across the state, that workforce is shrinking.

Many long-serving rural veterinarians are nearing retirement, and fewer new graduates are choosing to take their place. That leaves some communities without access to essential veterinary services.

To help address the shortage, Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) is inviting veterinary students who are pursuing careers in rural mixed and/or food animal medicine in rural Texas to apply for its Rural Veterinary Scholarship.

TFB will award four scholarships valued at $20,000 each, along with four additional $2,500 scholarships for selected finalists.

“Rural veterinarians play an essential role in keeping Texas livestock healthy, but they’re becoming harder to find,” McKenna Bush, TFB leadership coordinator, said. “We want to help students who feel called to serve rural communities and work with food animals by easing some of the financial stress that comes with their education.”

Eligible applicants must be second- or third-year veterinary students enrolled in a Texas DVM professional program at Texas A&M University or Texas Tech University. Students must also plan to enter a rural and/or food animal practice in Texas after graduation.

Bush said industry concerns are growing as the demand for large animal veterinarians outpaces the number of professionals entering the field.

Ranchers rely on veterinarians not only for emergency care but also for herd health planning, disease prevention and food safety protocols.

“Ranchers are facing longer wait times and traveling farther for veterinary assistance,” Bush said. “The students who receive this scholarship will be part of rebuilding and strengthening access to veterinary care in rural Texas.”

Eligible students must be a Texas Farm Bureau member at the time of application and maintain an active membership throughout the duration of the scholarship.

The deadline to apply and submit completed scholarship applications online is 11:59 p.m. on March 2, 2026.

Visit texasfarmbureau.org/scholarships for scholarship details, instructions and a link to the application.

Scholarship recipients will be announced in June.

TFB also offers additional scholarships for high school seniors, enrolled college students and students pursuing technical degrees. Visit the scholarship webpage for more details.

Email youthactivities@txfb.org or call 254-399-5037 with questions.